Newsletter 26th Sept 2025

26th September 2025

Dear Parents/Carers

This week I will be introducing you all to our three Assistant Headteachers, Gemma Moore, Andrew Maker and Grace Norman.

Gemma brings 14 years of dedicated experience teaching in special schools, supported by her completion of the NPQLT and NPQSL qualifications. Together with Sally, she plays a key role in shaping and developing the school’s curriculum, ensuring a strong focus on core learning areas such as phonics, English, and mathematics for all pupils.

Gemma also leads the formal learning pathway and teaches in the Silver class, where she is actively involved in expanding the hub provision designed specifically for older learners following a formal curriculum. Her work is centered on creating tailored educational experiences that meet the unique needs of each pupil.

Beyond the classroom, Gemma leads outreach initiatives both within the school community and in partnership with the Specialist Provision Team (SPT). Through this collaboration, she supports families and carers by providing expert guidance and resources to help children thrive in and beyond school.

Andrew has been a SEND teacher since 2009 and qualified as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (QTVI) in 2012.

He is responsible for overseeing daily staffing across the school, as well as implementing and reviewing class groupings. Andrew also leads the Semi-Formal Pathway, providing guidance and support to the staff working within it.

In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Andrew organises a range of special events and activities throughout the school year, including Ten Tors, leavers' events, and annual celebrations such as Halloween and Christmas.

Andrew plays a key role in supporting students’ transitions beyond school, particularly in the post-16 phase, and serves as the school’s Careers Lead. He works closely with the Devon Sensory Advisory Service to support pupils with sensory impairments, providing QTVI input for those with visual impairments.

Alongside his leadership duties, Andrew also teaches in Bronze Class three days a week.

Grace has been teaching in special education since 2002. With a strong background in Primary SLD and experience across KS3 and complex needs groups in specialist settings, she has been leading our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) at Mill Water since 2013.

She takes great joy in working with families to support new pupils as they transition into school, focusing on each child’s individual needs to build a solid foundation for learning.

As the lead for communication and PSHE, she ensures these vital areas are central to our curriculum from reception through to post-16, collaborating with professionals and leading ongoing training within the school. She also contributes significantly as a member of our safeguarding team, helping to create a safe and nurturing environment for all.

Discovering Where We Live

Pink Class have been finding out about where they live. As well as painting and describing their house, they have used maps and Google maps to look at where they live and places of interest to them nearby.

Settling In and Exploring

Blue class have settled in to their news classroom and routines brilliantly. We have been enjoying a range of play based learning activities We've especially enjoyed lots of sensory exploration and communication work.

Direct Payment Day event in October

Parents, carers, and providers connected to Devon’s Disabled Children’s Service are invited to a special 'Direct Payment Day' event next month.

It's being held at Exeter Community Centre on Friday 17 October from 9:30am to 2:30pm.

There will be expert advice, practical demonstrations, and updates on employer responsibilities and support tools like the Devon Wallet.

More info and chance to book here

Dates for the Diary

Monday 20th October – Friday 24th October
Celebrating Harvest in class

Monday 27th October – Friday 31st October
October Half Term

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May be an image of 1 person, coffee cup and text that says "ጠከን ESTEEM TEAM ESTEEM TEAM EVENING CATCH TUESDAY 7TH OCTOBEH 6.30 8.30 PM You are invited to an evening parent carer social and peer support session at our Esteem Team Base Bastin Hall Elm Grove Exmouth Have an opportunity to ask questions All welcome Meet other parent carers Any parents and carers of children who have (or may have) SEND including mental health difficulties are welcome."
May be a graphic of 2 people and text that says "Devon County Council Devon Family Hubs FREE FAMILY ADVICE AND GUIDANCE AND For Parents/Ca of children aged 0-19 and Young People aged 13 and over (25 with SEND or care leaver) Need help? 1hr single Sessions Available in person, via phone or online www.devon.gov.uk/chidren-aoii educoton/chid-amil-suppott support/family-hubs/ 0800 538 5458 Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm"
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